Three former Kaiviti Silktails players have continued their Rugby League journey by gaining contracts with clubs in the NSWRL Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup.
Temesia Jilivecevece (pictured above) plays centre and fullback for the Glebe Dirty Reds, while Penioni Tagituimua is a hooker-utility with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and Sunia Naruma is a hooker-halves utility with Hills Bulls. Jilivecevece and Naruma have also played Sydney Shield this year.
Tagituimua is a former Silktails captain and Naruma is a former Clubman of the Year.
Jilivecevece and Tagituimua have an opportunity to step up to The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, when required, and that has brought them in contact with True Blues-turned coaches Brett Morris (Sydney Roosters) and Mick Potter (Bulldogs).
“I’m training under the guidance of Brett Morris. I’ve been really enjoyed working with him and he played my positions so he’s been very helpful to me,” Jilivecevece told nswrl.com.au as Glebe is one of the Roosters feeder clubs.
Jilivecevece played two seasons with the Silktails (2021-2022) in Ron Massey Cup before the Fijian-based side moved to the Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21s) in 2024 with the focus on being a development club.
“I used to play against these Ron Massey Cup teams and I’m glad. It all helps in my understanding of the game,” he said.
“I also learned a lot from the Silktails and have been bringing that to Glebe. I’m open to keep learning.
“It’s a great program with the Silktails. It’s the pathway to get here to Australia competitions so I hope many can take it.
“If it wasn’t for the Silktails I wouldn’t be here.
“I still keep track of their results … I know they haven’t had a lot of success in the new competition for them but they keep turning up.
“That’s what the Silktails taught me. They kept encouraging me and pushing me to be better.”
Tagituimua was Silktails captain in 2021. From that season the North Sydney Bears signed him for NSW Cup. He is now in his second year with the Bulldogs.
He acknowledges he would not have been noticed if he hadn’t joined the Silktails.
“A hundred per cent. It is through the Silktails that I got the opportunity with North Sydney and that in turn is how I got to the Bulldogs,” Tagituimua said.
“Big thanks to the Silktails for giving me the chance in the first place.
“It’s not only me – there’s been more players both here and in Queensland Cup.”
Tagituimua would like to keep the upward trend going through the Rugby League tiers.
“The main goal, which is probably everyone’s dream, is to make the NRL,” he said.
“I know it’s a lot of hard work but I’m up for it.”
